This tank was a spiritual successor to the slightly successful M2 Medium tank. The latter being canceled due to the German Pz.Kpfw.IV's firepower. It was designed in mind of defeating the tank. It seems to draw influence to the B1 or A1E1 Independent, with its dual gun concept. The tank was exported under lend-lease program to Great Britain and the Soviets. It was, however, plagued by design flaws and was immediately withdrawn with the breakthrough of the M4 Sherman. But it would be used in the later M7 Priest before the advent of the M4's chassis was used instead.

Unfortunately for some players, this tank may be somewhat difficult to play with, particularly if you're less experienced with Tank Destroyers. The M3 Lee's gun is not mounted on a turret and as such, it plays similarly to a tank destroyer. However, it is not an effective sniper because its guns are implemented with mediocre accuracy. Additionally, "The Fat Pimple" turret sticks out on small cover and is usually fired on. Its frontal armor can also be penetrated easily, thereby putting the driver in constant danger of injury and greatly hindering survivability in a fair fight. Despite all these drawbacks, this tank can be fairly successful if played correctly, particularly if you have experience with the American T82 and T40 tank destroyers. The M3 Lee works best in close-range ambushes where accuracy and size are non-issues. The M3 Lee leads to the M4 Sherman and the T1 Heavy.

The M3 Lee is a tank that requires precision controls, and smart maneuvers. You HAVE to know the terrain of your area, or you will end up exposing whole weak spots to enemies many times more powerful than yourself. It's nearly impossible to play this tank by any specific generalization, since it combines so many playstyles; find your own way. Finally, this has laughable statistics except with the gun, and even with that, unless you have gold ammunition your gun is not typically going to support the tank's repairs, supplies, and other necessities--unless you're an adept tanker who can shield very well.